What to Pack for 3 Quintessential Summer Day Trips

The essentials you need for a quickie getaway to the beach, the city, or the woods.

While it doesn't require the heavy lifting of a longer vacation, there's a special art to packing everything you need when you're getting away for just a day. The trick? Paring it down to the bare essentials, but not traveling too light—and staying stylish regardless of the locale (or heat). Luckily, we're here to lay out the exact items you'll need for the perfect, quick trip to the beach, the city, or picnic—and the chic bags to toss it all in.

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City

City

Come July with its high temps, it's not always easy to stay chic in the city—just ask the droves of New Yorkers who flee for fresh sea air in the Hamptons. Fortunately, this industry-beloved Mansur Gavriel tote will serve as your heatproof goodie bag. Cat-eye sunnies are always a solid option, as is Ilia's summer-perfect lip stain for a gorgeous pout. Caudalie's beauty elixir spray will refresh and mattify (without washing away your face in the process), as will blotting papers that are suddenly luxurious in Bobbi Brown's leather carrying case. And for when walking around in heels just becomes too much, you'll have Rag & Bone's lightweight, cool-girl take on espadrilles at the ready for an equally stylish substitution.

Beach

Beach

If you're spending the day on the sand solely to look pretty, you're doing it wrong. But, in the interest of keeping things looking gorgeous post sun and surf, the beauty products you should be toting in this beach-proof Chloé bag include Supergoop!'s editor-loved, non-icky sunscreen, as well as some leave in spray to protect color-treated hair from the glorious sunshine. Reinforce the sun safety with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that are cute but not so precious that you would be devastated should they get lost in the sea. And when you're back on shore, sprawl out on a bright, printed towel, pop your iPhone into Sunnylife's genius portable, waterproof speakers, and crank up a Spotify playlist worthy of basking in the rays.

City

Come July with its high temps, it's not always easy to stay chic in the city—just ask the droves of New Yorkers who flee for fresh sea air in the Hamptons. Fortunately, this industry-beloved Mansur Gavriel tote will serve as your heatproof goodie bag. Cat-eye sunnies are always a solid option, as is Ilia's summer-perfect lip stain for a gorgeous pout. Caudalie's beauty elixir spray will refresh and mattify (without washing away your face in the process), as will blotting papers that are suddenly luxurious in Bobbi Brown's leather carrying case. And for when walking around in heels just becomes too much, you'll have Rag & Bone's lightweight, cool-girl take on espadrilles at the ready for an equally stylish substitution.

Beach

If you're spending the day on the sand solely to look pretty, you're doing it wrong. But, in the interest of keeping things looking gorgeous post sun and surf, the beauty products you should be toting in this beach-proof Chloé bag include Supergoop!'s editor-loved, non-icky sunscreen, as well as some leave in spray to protect color-treated hair from the glorious sunshine. Reinforce the sun safety with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that are cute but not so precious that you would be devastated should they get lost in the sea. And when you're back on shore, sprawl out on a bright, printed towel, pop your iPhone into Sunnylife's genius portable, waterproof speakers, and crank up a Spotify playlist worthy of basking in the rays.

Hike

If you'd prefer to spend a day with nature, just make sure you bring provisions—and a carryall. This Everlane backpack is roomy, full of hidden compartments, and still cushioned and lightweight. When you're on the trail, keep pesky bugs at bay with this dab-and-go, organic repellant from Dr. Fedorenko, and wipe away sweat and dirt with refreshing spa cloths. Gnaw on Urban Remedy's addictively delicious (but healthy!) ginger brittle for sustenance, and when it's time for a rest, this cozy blanket will turn any patch of ground into a picnic-worthy spot. No worries on the wine—you had it stashed in this ingenious drink tote. (Like we said, the bare essentials.)